Extension plates for metal drawers and the like



United States Patent [72] Inventors RobertA.Studinslti;

Florian A. Walter, Aurora, 111. [21] AppLNo. 818,273 [22] Filed Apr.22,1969 [45] Patented Dec-15,1970 [73] Assignee Lyon Metal Products, Incorporated Aurora,Ill. a corporation of Illinois [54] EXTENSION PLATES FOR METAL DRAWERS AND THE LIKE 19 Claims, 14 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. 220/4, 220/22.1, 312/263 [51] Int. 865d 7/00 [50] FieldoiSearch 312/183, 184, 330, 214, 263; 220/22, 4

[56] RelerenccsClted UNITED STATES PATENTS 821,578 5/1906 Athey 3l2/330X 1,136,071 4/1915 Weiss 312/330 1,604,995 11/1926 Gruhler.... 312/330X 1,770,836 7/1930 Boote.... 312/330 3,433,548 3/1969 Moore 312/184 Primary Examiner-Jordan Franklin Assistant Examiner-George l-l. Krizmanich Attorney-Prangley, Clayton, Mullin & Vogel ABSTRACT: Extension plates for use in conjunction with a drawer assembly and the combination thereof with a drawer including a pair of longitudinal sidewalls, each sidewall having a channel on the upper edge thereof to facilitate the mounting of the respective extension plate. Each extension plate is mounted on the associated drawer sidewall by means of flanges which engage corresponding structures on the drawer sidewall channel, and a forwardly directed mounting portion on the extension plate which is disposed within a slot formed in the drawer head, the upper edges of the respective extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within the drawer.

PATENTEB am 51910 3; 547; 300

' sum 1 OF a INVENTORS 245 ROBERT A. STUD/NSK I FLOR/AN A. WALTER PATENTEU 0501 51970 SHEEY 2 BF 1 PATENTED DEE 151970 SHEET b 0F 4 EXTENSION PLATES FOR METAL DRAWERS AND THE LIKE This invention is directed to extension plates for use in connection with a drawer assembly and the combination thereof with a drawer whereby a pair of extension plates may be mounted on a drawer and the like for accommodating therebetween a plurality of hanging folders disposed thereon and within the drawer.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a combination including a drawer having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, the upper edge of each of the sidewalls having a channel including a holding flange extending laterally inwardly with respect to the sidewall, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of the holding flange and extending upwardly therefrom, a top flange on the upper edge of the upstanding flange extending inwardly therefrom and a retaining flange on the inner edge of the top flange extending downwardly therefrom, a front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of the bottom wall and sidewalls and extending from the bottom wall beyond the upper edges of the sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of the front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween and extending from a point adjacent to the holding flange upwardly to a point below th'eupper edge of the front wall, and a pair of extension plates respectively disposed on the sidewalls and extending upwardly therefrom to a point adjacent to the upper edge of the inner front wall, each extension plate having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof disposed upon the adjacent holding flange of the channel on the sidewall and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end thereof disposed in the adjacent one of the slots, whereby the upper edges of the extension plates provide support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within the drawer.

In connection with the foregoing object, it is another object of this invention to provide a combination of the type set forth wherein the upper edge of each of the extension plates comprises a rail formed by a shoulder extending inwardly from the extension plate for a short distance, and a support flange extending upwardly therefrom and having the upper end thereof turned downwardly upon itself to provide a support rail of arcuate configuration for supporting hanging folders thereon.

It is another object of this invention to provide a combination of the type set forth, wherein each of the extension plates includes at least one stabilizing tab extending outwardly therefrom and being engageable with the retaining flange of the channel on the sidewall and disposed upwardly with respect thereto for providing lateral support for and stabilizing the associated extension plates when disposed on the respective sidewall.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a combination of the type set forth, wherein the rear end of each of the extension plates is rolled outwardly upon itself to form a tubular channel extending substantially along the entire height thereof and including a support bar disposed between the respective plates, the bar having a first leg disposed within the tubular channel of one of the plates, a second leg disposed within the tubular channel of the other one of the plates, and a central connecting bar interconnecting the first and second legs thereof whereby the support bar mounted on the rear end of the respective extension plates provides additional lateral support for the extension plates, and further prevents the hanging folders disposed upon the plates from sliding off of the rear end thereof.

A further object of this invention is to provide a combination of the type set forth, wherein the holding flange on the channel of each sidewall includes a plurality of successive apertures formed therein, and wherein each extension plate includes a detent positioned on the mounting flange of the plate along the length thereof and extending downwardly therefrom, the detent being adapted for seatment within one of the apertures in the holding flange when the mounting portion of the plate is disposed in the respective slot formed on the rear surface of the front wall, whereby each extension plate is prevented from rearward sliding movement as the drawer is repeatedly opened and closed.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a pair of extension plates adapted to be disposed on the respective sidewalls of a drawer assembly of the type set forth, wherein each of the plates includes a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof and extending outwardly with respect thereto and adapted to be disposed upon the adjacent holding flange of the drawer sidewall, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of each of the plates and adapted to be disposed in the adjacent one of the slots respectively, the upper edges of the extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within the drawer.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a combination including a drawer assembly of the type set forth wherein the drawer head includes an outer front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of the bottom wall and the sidewalls and extending from the bottom wall beyond the upper edges of the sidewalls, each of the side edges thereof having a side flange extending rearwardly with respect thereto and carrying on the rear edge thereof a rearwardly and inwardly directed flange, the inner edge thereof carrying an inwardly directed back flange, the inner edge thereof carrying a rearwardly directed side attachment flange disposed adjacent to the associated drawer sidewall and an inner front wall disposed between the sidewalls and spaced from the outer front wall and extending from the bottom wall upwardly to a point just below the upper edge of the outer front wall, each of the side edges thereof having a forwardly directed return flange spaced from and in parallel relationship with respect to the associated side attachment flange on the outer front wall, thereby forming a pair of slots between the side attachment flanges and the return flanges on the outer front wall and the inner front wall respectively, and a pair of extension plates respectively disposed on the side wall and extending upwardly therefrom to a point adjacent to the upper edge of the inner front wall, each extension plate having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof disposed upon the adjacent holding flange on the channel of the sidewall and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end thereof disposed in the respective slot formed between the side attachment flange and the return flange on the outer front wall and the inner front wall respectively.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the parts and the interconnection thereof whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tile cabinet having one drawer thereof in the open position and illustrating the extension plates embodying therein the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a file drawer and the associated extension plates therefor;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the construction of the outer front wall and inner front wall of the drawer head;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a file drawer showing the construction thereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear partly cross-sectional view of the tile drawer and an inner front wall thereof taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view illustrating the apertures in the holding flange of the drawer taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an extension plate embodying therein the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the extension plate as viewed from the left side of the extension plate as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational partly cross sectional view of the extension plate disposed upon a file drawer sidewall and embodyingtherein the principles of the present invention; f-fFIG. 9 is a rear cross-sectional view of the extension plates mounted on respective sidewalls of a file drawer and a support bar, partly fragmented, this view taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 9-9 in FIG. 8;

EIFIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between the mounting flange and stabilizing tab of the plate and the channel on the sidewall taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 10-10 in FIG. 8;

- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional fragmented view illustrating the supporting corner of a hanging folder disposed upon the associated support rail of the extension plate;

;FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the detent on the plate in mounting relationship with the drawer sidewall taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 12-12 in FIG. 8; f'fFlG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating another view of the mounting relationship between the detent and the holding flange taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

l Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is illustrated a file cabinet 100 made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention, a file cabinet having three drawers therein being shown for purposes of illustration only. The file cabinet 100 includes a case 101, a top 105, a base 106 and three file drawers 200 disposed therein. Each of the file drawers 200 is provided with a combination pull and latch 300. The bottom drawer 200 is disposed in a partially open position illustrating a,,pair of extension plates 400 mounted thereon and having a hanging folder 50 disposed therebetween and within the drawer-200.

j-The details of construction of the case 101 is described more fully herein. The case 101 includes a body 102 including asubstantially rectangular rear wall 103 and a pair of substantially rectangular sidewalls 104 extending forwardly therefrom and disposed substantially perpendicular thereto and parallel toseach other. The upper edge of the rear wall 103 carries a top rear flange (not shown) offset inwardly and the upper edges of the sidewalls 104 carry top flanges (not shown) that are likewise offset inwardly, cutouts (not shown) being provided at the rear corners to accommodate such offsetting of the named flanges. A top 105 is provided to cover the area defined by the rear wall l03 and the sidewalls 104. The top 1'05includes a front flange 110 on the forward edge thereof, a of side flanges 111 on the side edges thereof and a rear flange (not shown) on the rear edge thereof, the various flanges named being disposed substantially normal to the top 105 and being joined at the four comers thereof and fitting over and receiving therein the top flanges on the upper edges of the rear wall 103 and the sidewalls 104 of the body 102. By this construction, the outer surface of the various top flanges 1'10, 111 andthe rear flange on the rear edge of the top 105 are disposed in vertical alignment with the associated body walls, and more specifically, the outer surfaces of the flanges lie in the same plane as the outer surface of the associated bildy walls. :The lower edge of the rear wall 103 likewise carries a bottom rear flange (not shown) disposed substantially normal to the'wall 103 and extending inwardly and the lower edges of the sidewalls 104 likewise carry inwardly directed bottom side flanges (not shown) disposed substantially perpendicular thereto. A bottom wall 107 is disposed in contact with the bottom flanges of the body 102 and is secured thereto as by welding to close the lower end of the case 101, the bottom wall 107 including a front flange (not shown) extending upwardly between the sidewalls 104. A base 106 is provided closing the space between the bottom wall 107 and the lower edge of the bottornmost drawer 200, the base 106 including a front wall 109 that extends upwardly and is suitably secured to the case 101 as by welding. The front flange of the bottom wall 107 is secured to the inner surfaceof the front wall 109 such as by welding or the like. The precise details of construction of the frame of the file cabinet and additional details of construction of the file cabinet as such are more fully described in US. Pat. No. 3,391,967, granted on July 9, 1968 to Kenneth D. Schreyer, the disclosure of that patent being incorporated herein by reference.

The construction of one of the file drawers 200 will now be described with special reference to FIGS. 2 through 5 and FIG. 8 of the drawings. Referring first to FIG. 2, the file drawer 200 includes a bottom wall 201 that is generally rectangular in shape and has a width slightly less than the inner width of the cabinet case 101' and a length slightly less than that of the cabinet case 101, the longitudinally extending inner edges of the bottom wall 201 carrying sidewalls 202 integral therewith and extending upwardly therefrom substantially normal thereto and substantially parallel to each other. There are further provided rear bottom flanges 203 and rear side flanges 204 disposed substantially normal respectively to the bottom wall 201 and the sidewalls 202. The upper edges of the sidewalls 202 carry therein outwardly directed holding flanges 210 that in turn carry on the outer edges thereof upstanding flanges 211 that in turn carry on the upper edges thereof an inwardly directed top flange 212 carrying on the inner edge thereof a dependent retaining flange 213. The rear end of the upstanding flanges 211 also carry inwardly directed flanges 214 which are in vertical alignment with the rear side flanges 204, and the holding flanges 210 have a plurality of substantially rectangular slots 215 formed therein for a purpose to be describedmore fully hereinafter.

The rear of the drawer 200 is closed by a rear wall 205 which is suitably secured to the drawer 200 as by a welding to the various flanges 203, 204 and 214 substantially to close all of the space at the rear of the drawer 200 below the top flanges 212. The upper edge of the rear wall 205 carries a forwardly directed U-shaped top flange 206 (see FIG. 3) and disposed immediately therebelow and centrally thereof of the rear wall 205 is an opening 207 provided to receive the hand of a user therethrough for manipulating the drawer 200.

The forward end of the drawer 200 is closed by a drawer head 220 as is more particularlyillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8 of the drawings. The drawer head 220 includes an outer front wall 221 that is essentially rectangular in shape, the lower end of the wall 221 extending below the bottom wall 201 and having on the lower-edge thereof a rearwardly directed bottom flange 222 on the rear edge of which is an upturned flange 223 extending upwardly to the underside of the bottom wall20l and carrying a rearwardly directed bottom attachment flange 224 thereon which is suitably secured to the forward portion of the bottom wall 201 as by welding. As is more clearly shown in FIGS. 2, 2A and 4 of the drawings, the side edges of the outer front wall 221 carry side flanges 225 that are directed rearwardly and carry on the rear edges thereof rearwardly and inwardly directed flanges 226 that are adapted to be disposed adjacent to the cabinet frame (not shown) when the drawer 200 is in the closed position thereof, and the inner edges of the flanges 226' carry an inwardly directed back flange 227 thereon, the back flange 227 carrying a rearwardly directed side attachment flange 228 thereon disposed adjacent to the associated drawer sidewall 202 as is more clearly shown in FIG. 2A of the drawings. The back flange 227 also carries an inwardly directed holding tab 229 disposed against the outer surface of the inner front wall 234. The upper end of the outer front wall 221 carries arearwardly and slightly downwardly directed top flange 231 carrying on the rearmost edgeth'ereof a downturned holding flange 232, the front wall 221 and the flanges 231 and 232 cooperating to form a substantially U-. shaped retaining portion.

Disposed inwardly and spaced from the outer front wall 221 is an inner front wall 234, the side edges thereof carrying return flanges 235 extending forwardly toward the outer front wall 221 and spaced from and in parallel relationship with respect to the side attachment flanges 228 on the outer front wall 221. The inner front wall 234 also carries a bottom flange 236 extending forwardly toward the outer front wall 221 and a top flange 237 having an upstanding flange 238 thereon disposed within the holding flange 232 on the outer front wall 221. There is also formed on the inner front wall 234 three inwardly directed embos'sments 239 which have fastener-receiving openings therethrough for mounting of the latch structure as will be described more fully hereinafter. The spaces formed between the side attachment flanges 228 on the outer front wall 221 and the return flanges 235 on the inner front wall 234 form a pair of slots 240 adjacent to the side edges thereof and in general alignment with the sidewalls 202 respectively and extending from the bottom flange 236 of the inner front wall 234 upwardly to a point adjacent to the upper edge of the inner front wall 234. The slots 240 accommodate the mounting portions of the respective extension plates 400 which are disposed therein when the extension plates 400 are'mounted on the respective sidewalls 202 as will be more fully described hereinafter. It will be seen that the inner-front wall 234 substantially closes the space between the drawer sidewalls 202 and closes the rear of the drawer head 220.

Various modifications may be made in the construction of the drawer head 220 in order toprovide a pair of slots 240 for accommodating the mounting portions 415 of the respective extension plates 400. For example, the inner front wall 234 may extend between the respective sidewalls 202 having a pair of spaced-apart slots punched through the inner front wall 234 for accommodating the mounting portions 415 therethrough. Alternatively, the inner front wall 234 may be entirely removed and an outer front wall 221 may be provided with two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface thereof with each pair of stabilizing members defining a slot therebetween to accommodate the respective mounting portion 415 of the extension plate 400. However, the drawer head 220 as described herein represents the preferred embodiment of this invention.

Further details of the assembly of the outer front wall 221 and the inner front wall 234 will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 8 of the drawings. In the assembled condition of the drawer head 220, the flange 238 at the upper end of the inner front wall 234 is disposed against the forward surface of the flange 232 and the lower end of the inner front wall 234 is disposed behind a pair of projections 241 struck upwardly from the bottom wall 201. There may optionally be provided a filler material disposed between the front walls 221 and 234 and secured therein by any suitable means. Thefiller material is provided forthe purpose of rigidifying the drawer head 220 andfor the sound deadening properties thereof.

Each of the drawers 200 is provided with a combined pull, latch and label holder structure 300, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The outer front wall 221 of the, drawer head 220 is provided with a rectangular aperture (not shown) in which the latch housing 301 is contained. The latch housing is similarly rectangular and is disposed within the rectangular aperture of the outer front wall 221. The latch housing 301 is retained within the rectangular aperture by recessed grooves in the latch housing which snap over and are retained by upper and lower edges of the rectangular aperture in the outer front wall 221. The latch housing carries fastener-receiving openings to which the inner front wall 234 is bolted by suitable threaded bolts. The drawer 200 is also provided with a drawer suspension system generally indicated at 245 in FIG. 2, which includes a pair of drawer rails 246 and case rails (not shown), the sidewalls 202 carrying brackets 247 which mount the drawer 200 on the suspension system 245. The cabinet case 101 similarly has structure (not shown) for mounting the case rails thereon to support the suspension system 245 for slidably mounting the drawers 200. Further details of the construction of the combination pull, latch and label holder 300 and the drawer suspension system 245 are described in greater detail in US. Pat. No. 3,391,967, previously referred to hereinabove. It is to be understood that the precise construction of these features are not deemed to be a critical part of this invention.

The construction of the extension plates 400 will now be described with'special reference to FIGS. 2 through 13 of the drawings. Referring first to FIG. 6, there is shown an extension plate 400 having an elongated main bodywall 401 including a lower end generally indicated at 402, a forward end generally indicated at 403, a rear end indicated at 404 and an upper end generally indicated at 405 The upper end 405 includes a shoulder 406 which extends laterally inwardly with respect to the main body wall 401 and disposed substantially normal thereto. A support flange 407 extends upwardly from the inner end of the shoulder 406 and disposed in normal relation thereto, the upper end 408 of the support flange 407 being turned downwardly upon itself to provide a support rail 409 the upper end of which is of an arcuate configuration as indicated at 410. The lower end 402 of the'body 401 includes a mounting flange 411 extending laterally outwardly therefrom and in normal relation thereto and having an outer flange 412 extending obliquely upwardly from the mounting flange 411. The body 401 further includes a pairof stabilizing tabs 413 struck outwardly therefrom and spaced apart and in horizontal alignment along the body 401. The forward end 403 of the body 401 is comprised of a forwardly extending mounting portion 415 which extends forwardly with respect to the support rail 409 and mounting flange 411. A rearwardly extending portion 416 extends rearwardly from the rear end 404 of the body 401 and is spaced upwardly from the lower end 402 thereof, the extreme rear end thereof being rolled outwardly upon itself to form a tubular channel 420. The mounting flange 411 a further includes a detent 417 extending downwardly therefrom adjacent the rear end thereof and adapted to seat within one of the rectangular slots 215 disposed in the holding flange 210 of the sidewall 202. It will be appreciated that one pair of extension plates 400 is required for each drawer 200 in which hanging folders 50 are to be disposed. The respective extension plates 400 of each pair thereof are in effect mirror images of one another and therefore like numerals are used herein to designate like parts thereof.

The precise manner in which the extension'plates 400 are mounted on the respective sidewalls 202 is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings. Thdextension plate 400' is supported upon the respective sidewall 202 by means of the forwardly extending mounting portion 415, the mounting flange 411, the stabilizing tab 413 and a support bar 425 which is adapted to be disposed within respective tubular channels 420 of opposed extension plates 400. As indicated previously, the forwardly extending mounting portion 415 is adapted to be disposed within the respective one of the slots 240 formed between the associated side attachment flange 228 and the return flange 235 on the outer front wall 221 and the inner front wall 234 respectively. When the mounting portion 415 is inserted in the slot 240 as indicated, the mounting flange 411 is adapted to be disposed upon and against the holding flange 210 of the sidewall 202 thereby providing a surface against which the extension plate 400 rests. The stabilizing tabs 413 extend obliquely upwardly and as such, cooperate with the retaining flanges 213 of the sidewalls to provide further lateral support for the extension plate 400. The structure of and relationship between the various parts mentioned hereinabove is more clearly shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings. Additional lateral support is provided to the respective ones of the pair of extension plates by means of a support bar 425, which in FIG. 9 is shown to include a first leg 426 which is disposed within a first tubular channel of one extension plate 400, and a second leg 427 which is disposed within the tubular channel 420 of the opposed extension plate 400 and a connecting bar 428 which interconnects the first leg 426 with the second leg 427 thereof. The support bar 425 is of unitary construction and therefore prevents the rear'ends 404 of the extension plates 400 from lateral movement with respect to the sidewalls 202 of the drawer 200. t

In the mounted position, the forwardly extending mounting portion 415 is inserted through the slot 240 in the manner previously described and is entirely disposed within the area bounded by the outer front wall 221 and the inner front wall 234 of the drawer head. The support rail 409 has an abutment surface 409' which abuts against an associated area of the inner front wall 235 when the mounting portion 215 is disposed within the slot 240 as indicated. The rearward movement of the extension plate 400 is prevented by means of the detent 417. When the extension plate 400 is properly mounted upon the sidewall 202 with the mounting portion 415 disposed within the slot 240 and the mounting flange 411 disposed upon the holding flange 210 and the stabilizing tab 413 in engagement with the retaining flange 213, the detent 417 is adapted to seat within one of the rectangular slots 215 carried by the holding flange 210 of the drawer sidewall 202. The detent 417 consists of a downwardly and rearwardly directed wall member having a stop surface 418 which abuts against the next rearwardly adjacent slot 215 when the extension plate 400 is pushed directly rearwardly. In this manner, the extension plate 400 will remain in position upon the respective sidewall 202 as the drawer 200 is continually opened and closed.

The upper end 405 of the extension plate 400 includes a support rail 409 which is laterally offset with respect to the plane of the sidewall 202 of the drawer and adapted to receive and support thereon hanging folders 50. The support rail 409 is formed by an upstanding flange 407 having its upper end 408 turned downwardly upon itself to form the support rail 409 having an outer arcuate surface as indicated at 410. The hanging folder 50 includes a claw member 51 which extends from the upper end of the folder 50 outwardly and includes a & U-shaped channel 52 which is adapted to engage with the support rail 409. The arcuate surface 410 of the support rail 409 facilitates the sliding movement of the hanging folder 50, and more particularly the claw member 51 thereof, along the length thereof. The relationship of the hanging folder 50 to the support rail 409 and the engagement thereof with the U shaped channel 52 of the claw member 51 of the folder 50 is more clearly shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings.

In order to mount the extension plate 400 upon the sidewall 202 of the drawer 200, first, the extension plate 400 is disposed with the mounting portion 415 spaced rearwardly from the inner front wall 234 and is then tilted outwardly in order to engage the stabilizing tab 413 with the retaining flange 213. The extension plate 400 is then straightened into an upright position whereby the mounting flange 411 is disposed upon the associated holding flange 210. The extension plate 400 is then aligned to prepare the mounting portion 415 for entry into the slot 240 formed between the side attachment flange 228 and the return flange 235 on the outer front wall 221 and the inner front wall 234 respectively, and the extension plate 400 is then 'slid forward whereby the mounting portion 415 is disposed within the slot 240 and the detent 417 is seated within one of the rectangular slots 215. The detent 417 is constructed in such a manner as to allow forward movement of the extension plate 400 and thereby permits the extension plate 400 to be slid forwardly until the mounting portion 415 is disposed within the respective slot 240 and the detent 417 seats within one of the respective rectangular slots 215. The stop surface 418 of the detent 417 prevents the extension plate 400 from being slid rearwardly when the mounting flange 411 is disposed upon the associated holding flange 210. Once both of the extension plates 400 for a drawer 200 are mounted as described above, the support bar 425 is then inserted therebetween. More specifically, one leg 426 of the support bar 425 is inserted within the tubular channel 420 of one of the extension plates 400 while the other leg 427 thereof is inserted within the tubular channel 420 of the opposing extension plate 400. The respectively opposing extension plates 400 are now securely mounted upon the drawer sidewalls 202 and are ready for use. A plurality of hanging folders 50 may now be disposed upon the support rails of the extension plates 400. Each upper end of the hanging folder 50 is provided with a claw member 51 as described previously, for sliding engagement with the respective support rails 409 of the opposed extension plates 400. The arcuate configuration 410 of the support rail 409 facilitates the sliding movement of the hanging folder 50 thereon.

In order to remove the extension plates 400 from the respective sidewalls 202 of the drawer 200, the process mentioned above is merely reversed, Therespective legs 426 and 427 of the support bar 425 are-removed from the tubular channels 420 of the extension plates400. The extension plate 400 is then grasped and the rear end thereof is raised upwardly in order to remove the detent-41-7from the associated rectangular slot 215 in the holding flange .210; the extension plate 400 is then slid rearwardly to disengage the forward mounting portion 415 from the slot 240. Finally, the extension plate 400 is tilted laterally outwardlywhereby the mounting flange 411 is moved inwardly with respect to the holding flange 210 in order to disengage the stabilizing tab 413 from the retaining flange 213. The drawer 200 may now be used for storing materials other than hanging folders 50 in such a manner as desired.

Each file drawer 200 may optionally be provided with a compressor plate 350 (see FIG. 3) which serves to hold material stored within the drawer 200 in the forward portion thereof and against the inner side of the drawer 200 in the usual manner. The compressor plate 350 may only be utilized in connection with drawers 200 in which the extension plates 400 have been removed, since the compressor plate 350 must also utilize the rectangular slots 215 provided in the holding flange 21:0 in order to be mounted on the drawer 200. The compressor. plate 350 includes a main body 351 which is generally rectangular in shape having square lower corners and having formed toward the upper end thereof a rearwardly directed flange 352 carrying an upstanding flange 353 which in turn carries a forwardly directed flange 354 to which is integrally connected an upper body 355 having a U-shaped curve and rearwardly extending hand grasp portion 356 onthe upper end thereof including an intumed flange 357 disposed therebeneath for reinforcement purposes. There is further provided in the flange 353 a a pair of openings (not shown) by which a pair of guide brackets 360 are attached to the compressor plate 350, the right hand one of the openings being elongated to permit adjustment. It will be understood that two of the guide brackets 360 are provided and are disposed on the opposite sides of the compressor plate 350 and are substantially identical in construction, one being the mirror image of the other. As illustrated, each of the guide brackets 360 includes an attachment flange 361 which extends laterally of the drawer 200 and fits between the flanges 352 and 354 of the compressor plate 350 and against the flange 333 thereof, the attachment flanges 361 having an opening (not shown) therein to receive a screw 362 therethrough for attachment of the guide bracket 360 to the compressor plate 350. It is noted that as illustrated the forward surfaces of the attachment flange 361 is in substantial vertical alignment with the forward surfaces of the main body 351 and the upper body 355 of the compressor plate 350. Integral with each of the attachment flanges 361 is a forwardly directed arm 363, the arm 363 being adapted to lie upon the holding flange 210 disposed toward the upper portion of the drawer sidewall 202, the arm 363 extending upwardly into the space between the upstanding flange 211 and the inner flange 213, whereby the arm 363 is restrained in the vertical movement thereof by the holding flange 210 and the top flange 212. The lower surface of the arm 363 carries a pair of downwardly and rearwardly directed front fingers 364 thereon adapted to fit in respectively adjacent rectangular slots 215 carried by the holding flange 210. The upper surface 365 of the arm 363 slopes downwardly to the rear from a point immediately below the top flange 212 of the forward portion thereof and downwardly to a point spaced just slightly above the flange 354 on the compressor plate 350 adjacent to the rear end thereof, whereby the arm 363 and the associated fingers 364 can be moved from the engaging or down position illustrated by the solid lines in FIG. 3 to a disengaged or up position wherein the arm 363 is pivoted about the lower front end thereof in a manner such as to clear the fingers 364 from the associated adjacent slots 2 15, thereby to permit longitudinal adjustment of the compressor plate 350 along the file drawer 200. Y

Fundamentally, the file cabinet 100 is formed of sheet metal with the exception of such parts as the pull, latch and label holder combination, which may be formed of an aluminum extrusion. Furthermore, the sheet metal forming the various parts is of relatively light gauge, as will be appreciated from the following examples of the gauge of the sheet metal utilized for various parts of the file cabinet 100. For example, in a typical example of the case 101, the body 102 is formed of guage steel, the frame for the cabinet 100 is formed of l2 gauge steel, the top 105 is formed of 18 gauge steel and the bottom 107 is formed of 20 gauge steel. Similarly, the extension plate 400, as well as the associated drawer 200, may be formed of 20 gauge steel. However, where desired, the extension plates 400 may also be formed of a synthetic organic plastic resin such as by an injection molding operation. It is only necessary that the extension plate 400 be formed of a relatively rigid material which is capable of supporting hanging folders 50 and the like without lateral bending thereof. Hence, any metallic material or plastic material which will ac-. complish this function may be utilized to form the extension plate 400.

From the above description it will be seen. that there has been provided extension plates for use in combination with file drawers and the like which fulfills all of the objects and advantages set forth above. More specifically, there has been provided extension plates which are simple in construction and economical in manufacture, and which may easily be assembled on file drawers to convert the drawers into storage bins for hanging folders and the like, and which may also be removed with ease in order to restore the drawer to its original, shape and design for other purposes.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and'scope of the invention.

We claim:

l. A combination comprising a drawer having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge of each of said sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of said holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of said upstanding flange extending inwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of said top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a front wall closing the areadefined by the forward edges of said bottom wall and said sidewalls and extending from said bottom wall beyond the upper edges of said sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of said front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent to said holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of said front wall; and a pair of extension plates respectively disposed on said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of said inner front wall, each of said extension plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon the adjacent holding flange, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of said extension plate and disposed in the adjacent one of said slots, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within said drawer.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein the forward end of each of said mounting'flanges is spaced rearwardly from said mounting portion and the rear end of each of said mounting flanges is spaced forwardly with respect to the opposite end of said plate.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said mounting flanges includes a bearing portion extending laterally outwardly substantially normal to the associated plate for seating upon the adjacent holding flange, and an outer portion extending laterally from said bearing portion and obliquely upwardly with respect to said bearing portion.

4. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein the upper edge of each of said extension plates includes a shoulder extending laterally inwardly and normal with respect to said plate, a support flange extending upwardly from the end of said shoulder and normal thereto, the upper end of said support flange being turned downwardly upon itself, thereby to provide a support rail of arcuate configuration for supporting hanging folders thereon.

5. The combination set forth in ,claim 1, wherein the upper edge of each of said extension plates forms an abutment at its forward end in abutting contact with said inner front wall and disposed immediately above the associated slot.

6. A combination comprising a drawer having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge of each of said sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of said holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of said upstanding flange extending inwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of said top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of said bottom wall and said sidewalls and extending from said bottom wall beyond the upper edges of said sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of said front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent to said holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of said front wall; and a pair of extension plates respectively disposed on said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of said inner front wall, each of said extension plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon the adjacent holding flange, at least one stabilizing tab on said mounting plate extending outwardly therefrom in the same direction as said mounting flange and engageable with said retaining flange and disposed upwardly with respect thereto, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of said extension plate and disposed in the adjacent one of said slots, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within said drawer.

7. The combination set forth in claim 6, wherein each of said stabilizing tabs comprises a portion of said plate struck outwardly therefrom.

8. The combination set forth in claim 6, wherein each of said plates includes two stabilizing tabs spaced apart along the length of said plate.

9. A combination comprising a drawer having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge of each of said sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edgeof said holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper flange on the inner edge of said top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of said bottom wall and said sidewalls and extending from said bottom wall beyond the upper edges of said sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of said front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent to said holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of said front wall; and a pair of extension plates respectively disposed on said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of said inner front wall, each of said extension plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon the adjacent holding flange, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of said extension plate and disposed in the adjacent one of said slots, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within said drawer, the rear end of each of said extension plates having a tubular channel extending substantially the entire height thereof; and a support bar disposed between said plates and having a first leg disposed within the tubular channel of one of said plates and a second leg disposed within the tubular channel of the other of said plates.

10. The combination set forth in claim 9, wherein each tubular channel is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the respective sidewall.

11. The combination set forth in claim 9, wherein said support bar is of unitary construction.

12. A combination comprising a drawer having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge of each of said sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, said holding flange having a plurality of apertures along the length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of said holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of said upstanding flange extending inwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of said top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of said bottom wall and said sidewalls and extending from said bottom wall beyond the upper edges of said sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of said front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent to said holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of said front wall; and a pair of extension plates respectively disposed on said side walls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of said inner front wall, each of said extension plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon the adjacent holding flange; and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of said extension plate and disposed in the adjacent one of said slots, a detent extending downwardly from said mounting flange and adapted to seat in one of said apertures in said holding flange when said mounting portion is disposed in the respective slot, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within said drawer.

13. A combination comprising a drawer having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge of each of said sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of said holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of said upstanding flange extending inwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of said top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, an outer front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of said bottom wall and said sidewalls and extending from said bottom wall beyond the upper edges of said sidewall, each of theside edges of said outer front wall having a side flange extending rearwardly with respect thereto and carrying on the rear edgethereof a rearwardly and inwardly directed flange, the inner edge thereof carrying an inwardly directed back flange, the inner edge thereof carrying a rearwardly directed side attachment flange disposed adjacent to the associated drawer sidewall, an inner front wall disposed between said sidewalls and extending from the bottom wall upwardly to a point just below the upper edge of said outer front wall, each of the side edges thereof having a forwardly directed return flange spaced from and in parallel relationship with respect to said associated side attachment flange on said outer front wall, thereby forming a pair of slots between said side attachment flanges and said return flanges on said outer front wall and said inner front wall respectively; and a pair of extension plates respectively disposed on said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of said inner front wall, each of said extension plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon the adjacent holding flange, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of said extension plate and disposed in the adjacent one of said slots, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within said drawer.

14. In a drawer assembly having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge of each of the sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of the holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of the upstanding flange extending inwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of the top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of the bottom wall and the sidewalls and extending from the bottom wall beyond the upper edges of the sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of the front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent to the holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of the front wall, the improvements comprising, a pair of extension plates, one of each of said plates disposed on each of said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of the inner front wall, each of said plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon said adjacent holding flange, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of each of said plates and disposed in the adjacent one of said slots, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within said drawer.

15. The improvements set forth in claim 14, wherein each of said plates includes two stabilizing tabs spaced apart along the length of said plate.

16. The improvement set forth in claim 15, wherein said support bar is of unitary construction.

17. In a drawer assembly having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof; a channel on the upper edge of each of the sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of the holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of the upstanding flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of the top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of the bottom wall and the sidewalls and extending from the bottom wall beyond the upper edges of the sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of the front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent toe holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of the front wall, theiimprovements comprising, a pair of extension plates, one of each of said plates disposed on each of said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of said inner front wall, each of said plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon said adjacent holding flange, at least one stabilizing tab on each of said plates extending outwardly therefrom in the same direction as said mounting flange and engageable with said retaining flange and disposed upwardly with respect thereto, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of each of said plates and disposed in the adjacent one of the slots, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within said drawer.

18. In a drawer assembly having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge ofeach of the sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, an upstanding flange disposed on the outer edge of the holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of the upstanding flange extending inwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of the top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, the front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of the bottom wall and the sidewalls and extending from the bottom wall beyond the upper edges of the sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of the front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent to the holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of the front wall, the improvements comprising, a pair of extension plates,

one of each of said plates disposed on each of said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of the inner front wall, each of said plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon said adjacent holding flange, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of each of said plates and disposed in-the adjacent one of said slots, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within the drawer, the rear end of each of said extension plates having a tubular channel extending substantially the .entire height thereof, and a support bar disposed between said plates and having a first leg disposed within the tubular channel of one of said plates and a second leg disposed within the tubular channel of the other of said plates.

19. In a drawer assembly having a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinal sidewalls extending upwardly from the side edges thereof, a channel on the upper edge of each of the sidewalls including a holding flange extending laterally with respect to the associated sidewall and substantially the full length thereof, the holding flange having a Hluralit of apertures along the length thereof, an upstan mg ange rsposed on the outer edge of the holding flange extending upwardly therefrom and substantially the full length thereof, a top flange on the upper edge of the upstanding flange extending inwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a retaining flange on the inner edge of the top flange extending downwardly with respect thereto and substantially the full length thereof, a front wall closing the area defined by the forward edges of the bottom wall and the sidewalls and extending from the bottom wall beyond the upper edges of the sidewalls, two pairs of stabilizing members mounted adjacent to the rear surface of the front wall with each pair thereof defining a slot therebetween extending from a point adjacent to the holding flange upwardly to a point spaced below the upper edge of the front wall, the improvements comprising, a pair of extension plates, one of each of said plates disposed on each of said sidewalls and extending substantially the full length thereof and upwardly therefrom to a point below the upper edge of said inner front wall, each of said plates having a mounting flange on the lower edge thereof extending outwardly with respect thereto and disposed upon said adjacent holding flange, and a forwardly extending mounting portion on the forward end of the body wall and disposed in the adjacent one of the slots, a detent extending downwardly from said mounting flange and adapted to seat in one of said apertures in said holding flange when said mounting portion is disposed in the respective slot in said front wall, the upper edges of said extension plates providing support for hanging folders disposed thereon and within the drawer. 

